And it's very important that they continue to do so.
Why? Predictable Inefficiency.
Keyboards represent a well understood UI. But from a functionality standpoint they're not arranged with regard to what works ergonomically. In fact - typewriter keys were deliberately arranged to not work well (from a speed of typing standpoint) because forcing people to type slower meant the mechanisms jammed less frequently.
And as time passed, typewriters gave way to electric typewriters which gave way to word processors and eventually personal computing. But something interesting happened: the keyboard pretty much remained the same.
Which brings up my point.
Improving the functionality of what typewriters represented (i.e., the ability to create, manipulate and disseminate thought) was far more important than improving the UI of the keyboard. Of course one can refer plenty of carefully managed studies that argue for an entirely different keyboard layout. But the fact remains - improving the keyboard will only serve to frustrate the end user, cost the customer a lot time and the shareholders a lot of money. Or simply:
1. Site Tools
2. 64 Bit
3. Stairs and Railings
4. Curtain Wall
5. Geometry Enhancements
Don't fall into the same crap trap as Office 2007. Because if you do it'll only mean we still won't be able to do stuff - only faster.
Why? Predictable Inefficiency.
Keyboards represent a well understood UI. But from a functionality standpoint they're not arranged with regard to what works ergonomically. In fact - typewriter keys were deliberately arranged to not work well (from a speed of typing standpoint) because forcing people to type slower meant the mechanisms jammed less frequently.
And as time passed, typewriters gave way to electric typewriters which gave way to word processors and eventually personal computing. But something interesting happened: the keyboard pretty much remained the same.
Which brings up my point.
Improving the functionality of what typewriters represented (i.e., the ability to create, manipulate and disseminate thought) was far more important than improving the UI of the keyboard. Of course one can refer plenty of carefully managed studies that argue for an entirely different keyboard layout. But the fact remains - improving the keyboard will only serve to frustrate the end user, cost the customer a lot time and the shareholders a lot of money. Or simply:
Don't improve the UI at the cost of
improving functionality.
improving functionality.
And some serious functionality improving is long overdue:
1. Site Tools
2. 64 Bit
3. Stairs and Railings
4. Curtain Wall
5. Geometry Enhancements
Don't fall into the same crap trap as Office 2007. Because if you do it'll only mean we still won't be able to do stuff - only faster.
